Robotic agricultural system and method

ABSTRACT

A robotic orchard spraying system having autonomous delivery vehicles (ADV), each autonomously delivering an amount of a premixed solution over a non-overlapping path verified by a forward-looking sensor, video, or both. Also, a mobile control center, configured to wirelessly inform the autonomous delivery vehicle of the path within the areas and to confirm that the autonomous delivery vehicle is following the path within the area. Additionally, a mapper vehicle generates the path within the area, the mapper vehicle being configured to communicate information about the path and the area to the command center. The mapper vehicle senses the path with a forward-looking LiDAR sensor, and senses the area with a GPS sensor. Moreover, a nurse truck has a reservoir of premixed solution for replenishing a tank of the ADV. ADVs and the control center communicate over a radio network, which may be a mesh network, a cellular network, or both.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to agricultural equipment, in general,and robotic agricultural spraying equipment, in particular.

2. Background Technology

Modern agricultural equipment can be hazardous and labor-intensive tooperate. For example, current orchard spraying devices have exposedappendages and exposed moving parts that produce an aerosol of chemicalsdangerous for human consumption. This is particularly the case whenpesticides and fungicides are being sprayed on the orchard trees.Equipment operators are required to wear confining respirators andgoggle to avoid incidental contact with the sprayed agent. Additionally,current orchard spraying devices can be clumsy and difficult to operatein an environment of a dense tree canopy, where the boughs of the treeshang low and the space between trees is thereby limited. Typicalequipment contacts the low-hanging tree boughs and may cause injury tothe trees. Also, the operator must be confined in a protective cab toprevent being jabbed and whipped by a low hanging tree canopy. Moreover,operation of modern agricultural equipment can be a slow and tediousaffair. Operators must stop periodically to remove their protectivegear, to get rested, hydrated and fed, in addition to rest stops. As aresult, equipment operation progresses in fits and starts, continuallylimited by exhaustion and injury, governmental restrictions, and basichuman needs. What is needed is an automated, robotic agricultural systemthat obviates the need for the human operators who are at risk byoperating an existing equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments provide a robotic agricultural system, having autonomousdelivery vehicles, each configured to autonomously perform a respectivepredetermined agricultural task over respective predefined,non-overlapping paths within respective predefined non-overlappingareas. The respective predefined non-overlapping paths are verified by arespective autonomous delivery vehicle forward-looking sensor or arespective autonomous delivery vehicle video feed or both, and therespective predefined non-overlapping area being verified by arespective autonomous delivery vehicle geolocation sensor. Embodimentsof the robotic agricultural system also include a control center,configured to wirelessly inform the autonomous delivery vehicles of therespective predefined non-overlapping paths and respective predefinednon-overlapping areas, as well as provide operational commands. Thecontrol center may be a stationary control center or a mobile controlcenter.

Additional embodiments include a mapper vehicle configured to identifypredefined non-overlapping paths in respective predefinednon-overlapping areas. The mapper vehicle is configured to communicateinformation about the respective predefined non-overlapping paths andthe respective predefined non-overlapping areas to the control center.Embodiments of an autonomous delivery vehicle includes a vehicle chassiswith a front and a rear, wherein the front vehicle chassis has anup-sloped front profile; hydraulic motors attached to the vehiclechassis, wherein the hydraulic motors motivate the autonomous deliveryvehicle in a selected direction; a hydraulic pump attached to thevehicle chassis and fluidly coupled to drive the hydraulic motors; amotive engine mechanically coupled to, and configured to drive, thehydraulic pump, and attached to the vehicle chassis; an implementactuator, attached to the vehicle chassis rear, and coupled to themotive engine; and an implement, coupled to the implement actuator andconfigured to perform a predetermined agricultural task.

Embodiments of the autonomous delivery vehicle also include a respectivevehicle control unit (VCU) coupled to a respective autonomous deliveryvehicle (ADV) forward-looking LiDAR sensor and an ADV GPS sensor, therespective VCU generating a vehicle command based on the respective ADVforward-looking LiDAR sensor sensing the predefined non-overlapping pathand a respective ADV GPS sensor sensing a predefined non-overlappingarea containing the predefined non-overlapping path, the vehicle commandincluding at least one of a steering command, a propulsion command, athrottle control command, a clutch command, a parking brake command, apredetermined agricultural task command, or a pressure control command,the respective autonomous delivery vehicle responding to at least onevehicle command In other embodiments, the respective vehicle controlunit receives at least one sensed input from at least one of a steeringsensor, a speed sensor, a clutch pressure sensor, and an implementactuator sensor. The vehicle command includes at least one of a steeringcommand, a propulsion command, a throttle control command, a clutchcommand, a parking brake command, a predetermined agricultural taskcommand, or a pressure control command, the vehicle control unit issuinga vehicle command responsive to the at least one sensed input and therespective autonomous delivery vehicle responding to the vehiclecommand. Other embodiments of the respective autonomous deliveryvehicles include a vehicle chassis with a front and a rear, wherein thefront vehicle chassis has an up-sloped front profile; a motive engineattached to the vehicle chassis; a hydraulic system, having hydraulicmotors attached to the vehicle chassis, wherein the hydraulic motorsmotivate the autonomous delivery vehicle in a selected forward-backwarddirection, a hydraulic steering apparatus that motivates the autonomousdelivery vehicle in a selected right-left direction, and a hydraulicpump attached to the vehicle chassis, fluidly coupled to drive thehydraulic motors and the hydraulic steering apparatus, and mechanicallycoupled to the motive engine, and a dispersal fan, attached to thevehicle chassis rear, and coupled to the motive engine. The respectivevehicle also includes an implement actuator attached to the chassis, andcoupled to the motive engine, and an implement coupled to the implementactuator, and configured to perform a predetermined agricultural task.

Embodiments of the autonomous delivery vehicle can include a collisionavoidance system including command and control software that causesrespective predefined paths to not overlap and respective predefinedareas to not overlap. Embodiments of the autonomous delivery vehiclealso can include a collision mitigation system including command andcontrol system software that causes two adjacent autonomous deliveryvehicles to turn in proximity to each other without a collision.Embodiments of the respective autonomous delivery vehicle also caninclude a remote control, independent of the respective autonomousdelivery vehicle (ADV) chassis, the remote control wirelessly andselectably coupleable to the respective ADV, the remote control beingconfigured to over-ride autonomous action and operate at least one of asteering function, a propulsion function, a clutch function, a pressurefunction, a predetermined agricultural task function, or an E-Stopfunction.

Embodiments of the robotic agricultural system can include a mobilecontrol center, configured to wirelessly inform the respectiveautonomous delivery vehicles of the respective predefinednon-overlapping paths within the respective predefined non-overlappingareas and to confirm that the autonomous delivery vehicles are followingthe respective predefined non-overlapping path within the respectivepredefined non-overlapping area; a mapper vehicle, the mapper vehiclegenerating the respective predefined non-overlapping paths within therespective predefined non-overlapping areas; and the mapper vehicleconfigured to communicate information about the respective predefinednon-overlapping paths and the predefined non-overlapping areas to themobile control center, wherein the mapper vehicle senses the respectivepredefined non-overlapping paths with a mapper vehicle forward-lookingLiDAR sensor, and senses the respective predefined non-overlapping areaswith a mapper vehicle GPS sensor; and a nurse truck having a reservoirof premixed solution for replenishing the respective premixed solutiontanks of the respective autonomous delivery vehicles.

Embodiments also provide a command and control network for anagricultural robotic system, having a radio network coupling at leastone autonomous delivery vehicle to a control center; and a video networkcoupling at least one autonomous delivery vehicle to the control center.The radio network is an Internet protocol network and the video networkis an Internet protocol network. In some embodiments of the command andcontrol network, the radio network is a mesh network integrating thevideo network and transmitting a video feed of the video network andradio signals to the control center. In other embodiments of the commandand control network, the radio network is a mesh network separate fromthe video network. In yet other embodiments of the command and controlnetwork, the radio network is a cellular network.

Embodiments provide a method for a robotic agricultural system,including autonomously determining a non-overlapping forward path;autonomously following the non-overlapping forward path; and whilefollowing the non-overlapping forward path, autonomously performing apredetermined agricultural task on the non-overlapping forward path.Further, embodiments can include downloading to the autonomous deliveryvehicle a predetermined non-overlapping forward path; comparing acurrent forward path to the downloaded pre-identified non-overlappingforward path; and autonomously correcting a heading corresponding to adownloaded non-overlapping forward path, using a forward-looking sensoron the autonomous delivery vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein are illustrated byway of example, and are not limited by the accompanying figures, inwhich like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example robotic agricultural sprayingsystem, according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan overview of an autonomous delivery system (ADV) ofthe system in FIG. 1, according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system for an ADV, according tothe teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a remote control interface for an ADV,according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an ADV positioning system, according to theteachings of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for an ADV hydraulic system, according to theteachings of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an ADV aqueous aerosolizer system,according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the ADV teleoperation control system,according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a ADV control bus structure, according tothe teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an external view of a mobile controlcenter of FIG. 1, according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an internal view of the mobile controlcenter, according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a communications and positioning systemfor the mobile control center, according to the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a mapper vehicle of FIG. 1, according tothe teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a mapper vehicle positioning system,according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a nurse truck of FIG. 1, according to theteachings of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a nurse truck radio repeater, according tothe teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an automated mixing system of the nursetruck, according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of the system in FIG. 1, deployed in anorchard, according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 19A is an illustration of an ADV right broadside profile, accordingto the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 19B is an illustration of an ADV left broadside profile, accordingto the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 19C is an illustration of an ADV front, head-on profile, accordingto the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 19D is an illustration of an ADV back, rear-on profile, accordingto the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 19E is an illustration of an ADV left, front perspective profile,according to the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 19F is an illustration of an ADV right, rear perspective profile,according to the teachings of the present invention.

The embodiments of the invention and the various features andadvantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference tothe non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/orillustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the followingdescription. It should be noted that the features illustrated in thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of oneembodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisanwould recognize, even if not explicitly stated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments herein are described within the non-limiting context of atree orchard, although other embodiments including, without limitation,a viticulture context or a crop context, are possible, mutatis mutandi.Crops can be perennial or annual, or both. In addition, althoughagricultural spraying is explained in detail, all other agriculturalpurposes are possible, particularly those implementations suitable formechanical or hydraulic actuation, including fertilizing, disking,plowing, tilling, or spreading. In general, an autonomous roboticsprayer is a type of autonomous delivery vehicle that is configured toautonomously perform a respective predetermined agricultural task. Afleet of autonomous delivery vehicles can be used to perform one or morerespective predetermined agricultural tasks at a time in an orchard, avineyard, or a field of crops, including perennial crops.

Continuing with the spraying example, an autonomous deliveryvehicle—sprayer can allow a single user to control multiple likeautonomous delivery vehicle—sprayers, as the vehicles work in anorchard, a vineyard, or a crop with substantial efficiency. The controlof one or multiple sprayers, or of one or more autonomous deliveryvehicles, can be effected within the context of an autonomousagricultural system, and through a network of cooperative vehicles, acommunications network, which coordinates the vehicles. The autonomousdelivery vehicles follow software-controlled maps and paths within themaps, to perform predetermined agricultural tasks directed toefficiently farming, without limitation, perennial crops. Certainembodiments of devices, components, and methods herein may be configuredto operate within one or more parts of international standard ISO 25119—Tractors and machinery for agriculture and forestry Safety-relatedparts of control systems. (Reference ISO 25119:2010(E)). Furthermore,embodiments herein may be compatible with draft standard ISO/DIS 18497—Agricultural machinery and tractors Safety of highly automatedmachinery. (Reference ISO/DIS 18497:2015). The foregoing documents areincorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties.

In FIG. 1, the overall autonomous agriculture system 100 is illustrated.System 100 includes autonomous delivery vehicle (ADV) 110, mobilecontrol center 120, mapper vehicle 130, and nurse truck 140. Nurse truck140 is provided in support of spraying operations, but is not required.ADV 110 can be an autonomous part of system 100, which, as anon-limiting example, applies chemicals, such as fertilizer, pesticides,and fungicides, to agricultural crops, such as in orchards, invineyards, or in row crops. ADV 110 uses precision electronic equipmentto control rate and pressure of applied chemicals, and ADV 110 speed,direction, and location. ADV 110 is capable of operating in anautonomous mode, or in a remote mode. In an autonomous mode, system 100can have one or more ADVs 110 being overseen and controlled by mobilecontrol center 120, and providing services to at least one respectivepredetermined parcel of land, for example, an orchard, a vineyard, or arow crop, or a portion of an orchard, a vineyard, or a row crop. ADV 110is configured to communicate with mobile control center 120 in bothautonomous and remote modes. In an autonomous mode, ADV 110 operateswithout direct input by a human user; in remote mode, ADV 110 operatesremote from a manually-operated control pad (not shown—see FIG. 4). ADV110 can be equipped with high-precision global navigation satellitesystem (GNSS) equipment, such as RTK-DGPS. ADV 110 can includeforward-looking sensor, such as LiDAR, for identifying the presence of,and the adherence to, a forward path, and for identifying obstacles inthe forward path. Forward-looking LiDAR is helpful, for example, forfinding tree trunks and determining a central path through the treetrunks.

GNSS equipment on ADV 110 can include fore and aft GPS equipped to workwith multi-constellation, real-time kinematic (RTK) networks, givinghorizontal and vertical positioning with centimeter precision. GPS canbe augmented with an inertial navigation unit. ADV 110 also can beequipped with fore and aft hi-definition video cameras to providereal-time visualization of the field of operation. All data received andsent by ADV 110 to mobile control center 120 can be by packet radiotransmitted at 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, or 5.8 GHz, depending upon weatherconditions, vegetation canopy density, and other conditions. One ofordinary skill in the art would realize that other radio frequenciescould be used. In a remote mode, ADV 110 may be operated to provideservices by a remote-control pad having toggle switches and a joystick,instead of using mobile control center 120. ADV 110 can sound an audiblealarm prior to moving.

Mobile control center 120 can be a communications van with a 60-foottelescopic pneumatic mast antenna, similar to familiar news vans. Mobilecontrol center 120 can contain several computers, multiple displayscreens, and command and control software. An operator can be housed inmobile control center 120 to oversee an entire operation, which mayinclude multiple ADVs 110 spread out over a large area. Mobile controlcenter 120 informs an ADV 110 of the predefined path that it is to takein a predefined area. Mobile control center 120 can have an onboardelectric generator, and an air compressor installed on its chassis witha number of electrical outlets positioned inside and outside of themobile control center 120. Air conditioning and heating also may beprovided. On the distal end of the mast are connections, mountings,cameras and antennas to support audio and video feeds as well aswireless data feed.

In addition, it has been found that mapped plots of the predeterminedparcel of land can be beneficial. Previously unmapped orchard areas canbe identified with a map created for use during spraying. Accordingly,in certain embodiments, mapper vehicle 130 can identify plotconfigurations with fore and aft GPS equipped to work withmulti-constellation, real-time kinematic (RTK) networks, similar to ADV110. GPS data can be used to identify a pre-defined area. Moreover,mapper vehicle 130 can use forward-looking LiDAR to identify, forexample, tree trunk positions, a path between the tree trunks, and anypotential obstacles within the area to be mapped. Forward-looking LiDARdata may be used to identify a predefined path, although otherforward-looking sensors may be used to identify the predefined path,including, without limitation, infrared, RADAR, and video imagingsystems. Typically, mapper vehicle 130 drives a path through theorchard, which is substantially similar to the path to be taken by ADV110 during operation, and continues to map until a predefined area, forexample, an entire orchard or part of an orchard, is mapped. A “map” mayinclude GPS and LiDAR data of the predefined paths and predefined areas.Mapper vehicle 130 can collect GPS and LiDAR information, and cantransmit that information by radio, in the 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, or 5.8 GHzradio bands, back to mobile control center 120 for storage and later useby ADV 110.

In some embodiments, nurse truck 140 can be positioned in a designatedarea (apron) of sufficient size on the predetermined parcel of land,such that it is convenient to replenish ADV 110 with fuel, hydraulicfluid, or premixed solution for spraying. Typically, nurse truck 140 cancarry about 2400 gallons, although other tank sizes can be used. Nursetruck 140 also can be outfitted with a radio repeater, to assist withsending control signals to, and monitoring sensed signals from, ADV 110in the field. The radio repeater also operates on one of 900 MHz, 2.4GHz, or 5.4 GHz, although other frequencies may be used. Typically,nurse truck 140 is positioned in a portion of the nurse area, which is aportion of land proximate to an aisle in the orchard in which sprayingoccurs. This portion of land will change as ADV 110 moves throughout theorchard, vineyard, or open field. Nurse truck 140 can refill ADV 110when additional spraying solutions are needed. In selected embodiments,nurse truck 140 also can replenish hydraulic fluid or fuel. A nurse areacan be a region where ADV 110 is transitioned from remote to autonomousmode, and back, or, for example, in an area in between rows of trees.ADV 110, mobile control center 120, mapper vehicle 130, and nurse truck140 can be representative of similar devices throughout the description,unless the particular description illustrates a particular embodiment ofthe device.

Turning to FIG. 2, a top plan view of ADV 200, in accordance withpresent embodiments is shown. ADV 200 can be an embodiment such as ADV110 in FIG. 1. ADV 200 will be described in general terms in FIG. 2 anddescribed with particularity with respect to later FIGURES. ADV 200 canbe configured as an agricultural sprayer vehicle, although otherconfigurations are possible. In particular, an embodiment of ADV 200 canbe configured to be an autonomous orchard spraying vehicle. Anotherembodiment of ADV 200 can be configured as an autonomous vineyardspraying vehicle. Accordingly, ADV 200 is driven on four heavy-dutytires 202 a-d, which are motivated by four respective hydraulic motors204 a-d. Tires 202 a-d can be model IN445/50D710 (44 in. dia.×18 in.wide) by OTR of Rome, Ga., USA. Hydraulic motors 104 a-d can be ModelR092505296 by Bosch Rexroth of Charlotte, N.C., USA. Forward tires 202a,b are turned by hydraulic steering mechanism 206, which when actuatedguides forward tires 202 a,b to the right and to the left, relative tothe longitudinal centerline 290 of ADV 200. Hydraulic steering mechanism206 can be single-ended Model 2-1/2HHC10K provided by Sheffer of BlueAsh, Ohio, USA. Steering angle (turning degree left/right) can bedetected by a magneto-resistive linear positioning measuring sensor 213,such as the 100-degree steering angle sensor model SPS-A100D-HAWS fromHoneywell, Morristown, N.J. Sensor 213 detects the degree of angulardisplacement of the wheel axle mechanism, which can be calibrated to upto plus or minus 50 degrees off of centerline 290. Sensor 213 can bechassis-mounted, with a separate magnet being disposed in proximity onthe wheel axle mechanism of ADV 200. Of course, other steering angleposition detectors may be used.

Power for hydraulic motors 204 a-d can be provided by hydraulic pump210, which is fed from hydraulic fluid tank 212. Power for hydraulicsteering mechanism 206 can be provided by hydraulic accessory pump 211,which also is fed from tank 212. In turn, power for hydraulic pumps 210,211 may be provided by motive engine 214. Engine 214 can be a dieselengine, with 6.7 Liter displacement, with 173 HP, such as by Cummins,Inc. Columbus, Ind., USA. For starting power, engine 214 can be coupledto main battery 280, for example, a Powerstride model PS31-950, having arating of 12 V, and 950 Cold cranking amps, from Powerstride, Corona,Calif. USA. In addition, the electronic components of ADV 200 can bepowered by auxiliary battery 282, e.g., a Powerstride 44RC, rated at 12V, 32 Amp hours. Battery isolator 284 can be coupled between the mainbattery and the auxiliary battery. Battery isolator 284 does not allowthe engine starter to draw power from auxiliary battery. Duringcranking, the voltage can drop too low for some of the electricalcomponents, causing them to shut down. Isolator 284 allows the voltageto remain at the correct voltage for the electronics. A suitable batteryisolator can come from Cole Hersee®, Littelfuse Commercial VehicleProducts, Schertz Tex. USA. When the voltage drops in autonomous mode,the vehicle will not start because the vehicle control unit (VCU) needsto see all the components online and reporting back to the VCU. If thisdoes not happen the vehicle will enter an e-stop state.

Engine 214 can be engaged with ADV 200 drive train (not shown).Hydraulic clutch 215 selectively engages/disengages solution pump 220and dispersal fan 230 to engine 214. Engine 214 provides driver power tohydraulic pumps 210, 211. Hydraulic pump 210 powers hydraulic motors 204a-d used to turn the wheels 202 a-d of ADV 200. Hydraulic pump 210 canbe Model AA4UG56EP3DTi/32LNSC52F04FP by Bosch Rexroth of Charlotte,N.C., USA. Hydraulic accessory pump 211 can be used to power thehydraulic steering 206 of ADV 200, and can be a model P2100C486GDZA07-87from Bosch Rexroth from Charlotte, N.C. USA. Motive engine 214 can becoupled to a gearbox 268 having two output shafts 270, 272. First output270 shaft can drive the hydraulic pumps 210, 211. Second output shaft272 can be coupled to hydraulic clutch 215, which can be coupled todispersal fan 230. Disposed on the second output shaft 272 can be pulley274 which can be coupled to solution pump 220 by way of a belt 276.Thus, when the hydraulic clutch 215 is engaged, second output shaft 272causes dispersal fan 230 to turn, and solution pump 220 to run.Hydraulic fluid tank 212 can serve as a reservoir for hydraulic pumps210, 211, and can have a capacity of about 80 gallons.

Aqueous aerosolizer subsystem 217 can include solution reservoir 218,which is coupled to solution pump 220 which, in turn, supplies rightspray valve 222 and left spray valve 224. Flowmeter 226 senses the flowdistributed by spray nozzles 228. Dispersal fan 230 is coupled todelivery duct 232. Spray nozzles 228 are positioned to deliver solutionto delivery duct 232. In present embodiments, reservoir 218 can be a 600gallon stainless steel tank, holding pre-mixed solution, and solutionpump 220 can draw input from reservoir 218, and provide output to sprayvalves 222, 224. Right spray valve 222 delivers the pre-mixed solutionfrom pump 220 to the right side of delivery duct 232 of ADV 200(relative to centerline 290), and left spray valve 224 delivers thepre-mixed solution from pump 220 to the left side of delivery duct 232of ADV 200.

Flowmeter 226 senses output from spray valves 222, 224 to ensure thatthe proper volume of solution is being delivered to delivery duct 232.Dispersal fan 230 draws air in from the rear of ADV 200, and forces airand aerosolized premixed solution out through delivery duct 232. Thepredetermined volume of air being drawn in combines with thepredetermined volume of solution being delivered to nozzles 228, andprovides a highly accurate aerosolized delivery of the premixedsolution. Solution pump 220 can be a 2-stage centrifugal pump Model12CI-2022C95 from Myers of Delevan Wis., USA. Solution pump 220 can bebelt driven from a pulley on the shaft of dispersal fan 230. Thus, whenhydraulic clutch 215 is engaged, both solution pump 220 and dispersalfan 230, are actuated. Spray valves 222, 224 can be Model92FM33-10D20-P01, 1-inch Stainless Steel 3-Piece 2-Way ON/OFF Full PortBall Valve w/Handle with a 0.8 sec cycle, manufactured by KZ of Ashland,Nebr., USA. The output of spray valves 222, 224 can be monitored byflowmeter 226, which can be a model ARAG ORION (P/N 4622AA51616) fromHypro/Pentair, Inc., New Brighton, Minn. USA.

Dispersal fan 230 can be a “sucking fan” Model LFC 400/16T CR1013606E4-36 in. glass fiber-reinforced, polypropylene-bladed, and shaft-drivenfan from Breeza Industrial, Utica, Nebr. USA. Dispersal fan 230 may beactuated/deactuated by respectively engaging/disengaging hydraulicclutch 215. Dispersal fan 230 draws air in the forward direction oftravel at the rear of ADV 200, and aerosolizes and disperses thepre-mixed solution by way of forcing a predetermined volume of air intothe spray nozzles outlet delivery duct 232. This technique ensures thattrees are contacted by the premixed solution in proper proportion fromthe tree trunk to the tree canopy. Having individualized left and rightspray valves ensures that spray is directed only to actual row(s) oftrees, or to areas designated to be sprayed, for example, on one side ofADV 200.

ADV 200 can have a guidance and control subsystem, which may include aGPS-based GNSS system having a fore GPS antenna 236 and an aft GPSantenna 238. GPS signals provide ADV 200 with its horizontal andvertical position, both in absolute GIS coordinates and relative to apre-established set of land coordinates. Communication of GPScoordinates and ADV 200 system parameters can be relayed to a controlstation by radio 244, using antennas 246, 248, and 250, which may befacilitate communication at 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz, respectively.Moreover, fore camera 240 and aft camera 242 can provide surveillanceand positioning video feeds, which feeds also may be communicated viaradio 244. Forward path verification and path obstruction detection canbe accomplished by forward-looking planar laser 230, which assists withautonomous operation. Indeed, when an object comes within apre-determined distance from the front of the vehicle, forward-lookingplanar laser 230 can send an alert to the ADV control system. ADV 200stops to avoid collision with the object. Electrical box 252 containsthe electrical, control, and communication elements of ADV 200, whichelements will be described below. Safety features include a parkingbrake (not shown), which is engaged any time there is no forward orreverse command issued, a manual ADV shutoff (“E-Stop”) button, andvisual indicator lights for a parking brake and for a full pre-mixedsolution indicator, are housed on block 262. The E-Stop button, whenactuated, causes engine 214 to shut down, and sets the parking brake.Another safety feature can be forward bumper 264 which, when contacted,also causes engine 214 to shut down and sets the parking brake. One wayby which an operator can transition between autonomous and remoteoperation (and back) is to toggle autonomous/remote switch 266 locatedon the ADV 200 chassis.

Illumination of the forward path of ADV 200 can be provided byhorizontal strips of white LED lamps, forming headlight 208. Such aheadlight can be model ORBX21-54WS-SP by Super Bright LEDs, St. Louis,Mo. USA. Lights 254, 256, 258, 260, which may be blinking, indicatewhether ADV 200 is in autonomous mode (AMBER/BLUE), in remote mode(AMBER), in suspend mode (AMBER/BLUE/RED), or in an error mode (RED).Other lighting color schemes are possible. Flashing lights 254, 256,258, 260 each can be model STRB-x4 W by Super Bright LEDs, St. Louis,Mo. USA. Lighting color schemes may change to coincide with anapplicable standard, e.g. Draft ISO Std. 18497. It is to be understoodthat all agricultural embodiments are contemplated and may beimplemented in ADV 200. Such uses can include, for example, and withoutlimitation, agricultural disking or spreading, in which aqueousaerosolizer subsystem 217 and dispersal fan 230 are replaced with asuitable implementation that is subject to hydraulic or mechanicalactuation.

Turning to FIG. 3, autonomous delivery vehicle control system (ACS) 300will be described. FIG. 3 is described within the context of FIG. 2. Ingeneral, system 300 can be operated in an autonomous mode or in a remotemode. When Auto/Remote switch 306 is in the remote mode, a user cancontrol the ADV 110 by means of a Remote Control Interface 310. WhenAuto/Remote switch 306 is in the autonomous mode, ADV 110 can be in theAutonomous mode, by which ADV 110 autonomously controls positioning,propulsion, spray parameters (arrangement, pressure, and flow), andengine throttle control.

Engine ECM (Electronic Control Module) 302 automatically cranks, starts,and monitors engine 214, for combustion, emissions control, enginespeed, high water temperature and low oil pressure, among other engineparameters. Engine speed is monitored for crank disconnect andoverspeed. A bypass (not shown) permits low oil pressure and high watertemperature override during the crank period and an additionaladjustable period after crank disconnect. There can be an Engine AlarmInput/Output (not shown), which can be used to detect many types offaults. Certain engine components are communicatively coupled by aController Area Network bus (CAN bus). The engine ECM 302 monitors theCAN bus signal for problems during both cranking and running. If aproblem is detected, the engine can shut down and a visual indicationcan be provided. Engine ECM (Electronic Control Module) 302 can be oneprovided with the 6.7 L, 173 HP QSB 6.7 diesel engine from Cummins,Inc., Columbus, Ind., USA.

ACS ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 304 provides sensing, control, andactuation for an Autonomous Delivery Vehicle (ADV), such as ADV 110,both in autonomous mode and in remote mode. ACS ECU 304 can be disposedin electrical box 252. Parameters sensed by ECU 304 may include, withoutlimitation, engine RPM, temperature, voltage; forward/reverse propel;wheel speed sensors rear left/right; steer left/right; steering angle,parking brake applied/unapplied; low fuel level; low hydraulic fluidlevel; premixed solution tank level—full, ¾, ½, ¼, empty; PTO ClutchON/OFF; premixed solution spray pressure and flow rate; and spray valvesON/OFF left/right. Engine ECM 302 can be coupled via CAN bus to ACS ECU304. ACS ECU 304 can receive operational data from the engine (e.g.,engine 214) and can provide safety cut-off signals to engine ECM 302from rear E-Stop button 316 or from forward bumper contact 346. Remotecontrol interface 310 allows ADV 110 to be operated by a remoteoperator, who can maintain control of ADV using a wireless link 311. Asuitable ECU 304 can be a CoreTek™ Model ECU-2415 Machine Controllerfrom Hydraforce, Inc., Lincolnshire, Ill. USA. CAN bus 362 cancommunicate signals from all sensors (nodes) on the vehicle, each ofwhich having a unique ID. Each sensor is called a Node and each has itsown unique ID. All sensors feed back to the ACS ECU 304 using, forexample, standard variable voltage or resistance.

For spray control, ACS ECU 304 controls and actuates valves performingright spray 326, left spray 328, and spray pressure control 330.Pressure sensor 314 detects the pressure of the premixed solution at thespray control valves, and spray volume is detected using spray flowmeter312. By monitoring and adjusting spray arrangement (Left/Right), spraypressure, and spray volume along with ADV 110 speed and direction, theplants being sprayed (not shown) can receive a precise dosage ofpremixed solution. For steering, ACS ECU 304 detects steering parametersfrom steering sensor 318, and produces commands that compel the ADV tosteer left 332, steer right 334, or move straight ahead. Left wheelspeed 322 and right wheel speed 324 are parameters sensed by ACS ECU 304to determine direction and speed of ADV (e.g., ADV 110) and, inresponse, to regulate and maintain ADV propulsion speed in the selecteddirection using forward propulsion 336 or reverse propulsion 338actuators. Wheel speed sensors 322, 324 can also provide an input to ADVsteering, according to the relative speed of a wheel relative to others.

ACS VCU 308 receives information from LiDAR sensor 348 and GPS data 352to detect a present path and a planned future path through the adjacentplants (e.g., trees or vines or crops). LiDAR can provide more accuratepath determination, in many cases, than can GPS, due to GPSinaccuracies, canopy density, and signal multipath. It is well-known inthe art to employ LiDAR for object recognition. Forward-looking LiDARsensor system 348 can be used to recognize objects in its environment,such as a row, or rows, of trees, the location of the tree trunks, and aforward path relative to the trees. Forward-looking LiDAR sensor system348 also provides safety input such as when an object in the path comeswithin a predetermined distance from the front for ADV 110. The LiDARproximity stop caused by forward-looking LiDAR sensor system 348,prevents accidental collision between the ADV and an object (e.g., afallen tree limb, a human, or an errant farm animal). VCU 308 is coupledto engine ECM 302 and ACS ECU 304 with the CAN bus 362. VCU 308 sensesdata input to and output from the engine ECM 302, ACS ECU 304, and VCU308 and directs that data back through radio 356 over link 358 tocontrol van 360. VCU 308 also can route video camera video feed 350 backto mobile control center 120.

Clutch pressure sensor 320 senses the current state of hydraulic clutch215 and, in cooperation with throttle control 340, ADV clutch engage 342can be activated or deactivated. Among the safety features accorded tothe ADV, aside from the LiDAR proximity stop, include front bumpercontact stop 346 and rear E-Stop button 316. When front bumper 264 iscontacted 346, the ACS ECU 304 causes the engine (e.g., ADV engine 214)to be shut off and parking brake to be engaged. Thus, front bumpercontact stop can serve in a collision mitigation capacity. Similarly,when a user depresses the rear E-Stop button 316, ADV engine 214 is shutoff and parking brake 344 can be engaged.

All of the foregoing data from GPS subsystem 352 and LiDAR subsystem 348can be provided to mobile control center 360 over radio link 358 viaradio subsystem 356. Data streams from video subsystem 350 also can beprovided to mobile control center 360 over radio link 358 via radiosubsystem 356. Additionally, sensed data from flowmeter 312, pressuresensor 314, steering sensor 318, clutch pressure sensor 320, and wheelspeed (left/right) 322, 324 are transmitted to mobile control center360. Front bumper 264 contact STOP activation state also is sent tomobile control center 360.

Mobile control center 360 also receives information from the CAN busover link 358 regarding ACS ECU 304 and VCU 308. Thus, mobile controlcenter 360 can monitor the information, command, and control data beingcreated by ACS 300. Additionally, mobile control center 360 can issuecommand and control directives over link 358 to VCU 308 which, in turn,can cause ACS ECU to act to control the ADV. Among those directivestransmitted to ADV systems including spray control 326, 328, pressurecontrol 330, steering 332, 334, propulsion 336, 338, throttle control340, clutch position (engage/disengage) 342, and parking brake position(on/off) 344.

Turning to FIG. 4, an illustration of remote control interface 400 isshown. Interface 400 can be similar to remote control interface 310 inFIG. 3. Remote control interface 400 can have a multi-positionaljoystick 402 and a toggle switch panel 404. Multi-positional joystick402 can have selections that enable a remote operator (not shown) tooperate ADV 110, with propel forward 406 or propel reverse 410 commandsignals, as well as steer right 408 or steer left 412 command signals.The displacement of the joystick from mid-point serves to increase thedegree of propulsion speed or steering. A conspicuous MACHINE STOPcontrol switch 414 can be provided, for example, in the middle ofinterface 400, to initiate machine shutdown and parking brake set.Switch 414 can be similar in function and operation to E-Stop button 316in FIG. 3.

Toggle switch panel 404 can include SPRAY RIGHT ON/OFF switch 416, andSPRAY LEFT ON/OFF switch 418, which causes the respective spray valve222, 224 to open or to close. Spray control also can include spraypressure increase or decrease using PSI INCREASE/DECREASE switch 420.CLUTCH ENGAGE/DISENGAGE switch 422 can cause ADV 110 clutch (not shown)to engage and disengage, respectively. THROTTLE UP/DOWN switch 424 canactuate the throttle of engine 214 to increase or decrease, therebyrespectively increasing or decreasing the speed of engine 214. AUXILIARY#1/AUXILIARY #2 switch 426. Other types and arrangements of switchesalso may be used. Visual confirmation of joystick- and switch-relatedcan be provided on display 428. Radio control of ADV 110 from interface400 can be accomplished by use of a radio transceiver model 4370 fromLOR Manufacturing, Weidman, Mich. USA.

FIG. 5 illustrates ADV Positioning System (APS) 500. FIG. 5 can be takenin the context of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. APS 500 can receive positioningsignals from onboard subsystems for LiDAR 348 and GPS 352; can processthe signals for ADV 110 positioning within a predefined area; can passthrough signals from video 350 to mobile control center 120; and canautonomously navigate a predefined path within the predefined area usingguidance provided by the positioning signals. In particular, GPS 352subsystem can include fore GPS antenna 502 and aft GPS antenna 503,coupled to GPS receiver 504. GPS subsystem 352 can receive incoming GPSpositioning signals from multiple ones of a global constellation of GPSsatellites (not shown), and can provide horizontal and verticalpositioning data to VCU 518. VCU 518 confirms that ADV 110 is within apreselected area specified by the GPS. In certain embodiments, GPSsubsystem 352 can provide horizontal and vertical positioning datawithin 1 centimeter of accuracy. A predefined area can be, for example,at least a portion of an orchard, a vineyard, or a row crop, but alsocan be any other jobsite where ADV 110 provides a suitable sprayingsolution.

VCU 518 processes the incoming GPS data and compares it to predefinedGPS data to find the correct path for ADV 110. The connections betweenantennas 502, 503 and GPS receiver 504 may be coaxial-type connections.The connection from GPS receiver 504 to VCU 518 may be serial dataconnections, such as an RS-232-type, or an IEEE 802.3-type, serial dataconnection. In an orchard application, GPS subsystem 352 provides VCU518 with positioning data, which can be compared to predefined areainformation previously recorded by mapper vehicle 130. Prerecorded GPSdata can be compared to sensed GPS data, and corrections can be made tokeep ADV 110 true to the intended path. Additionally, ADV 110 forwardpath identification and verification also can be provided using theLiDAR (light radar) subsystem 348, which can include planar laser 510(sensor) coupled to Obstacle Detection/Obstacle Avoidance (OD/OA)processor 512 using an Ethernet-type connection. Planar laser 510 cancommunicate with OD/OA processor 512 in IEEE 802.3 format. In an orchardapplication example, OD/OA processor 512 causes planar laser 510 toilluminate the forward path of ADV 110, identifying incident targets(e.g., trunks of trees) in the orchard, and processes reflected returnsignal from planar laser 510 to provide both target and ADV 110positional information, which information is transmitted through IP-67rated, high reliability (HI-REL) packet switch 516 to VCU 518.

Although positional information can be provided by GPS subsystem 352,the positional information from LiDAR subsystem 348 can mitigate errorsin GPS navigation due to satellite obscuration (e.g., tree canopy andother interference). VCU 518 interprets the data provided by OD/OAprocessor 512 to determine the position of orchard trees, to find acenter path between the trees, and to verify that the current pathcomports with a predefined path data provided to VCU 518 by mappervehicle 130. The predefined path information can include the positionsof targets, such as row(s) of trees, within the predefined area, and apath to follow between clusters (rows) of targets (trees) within thepredefined area. Moreover, VCU 518 can use data from OD/OA processor 512to detect if there is an obstacle in the path of ADV 110 and, if so, toshut down ADV engine 214. Thus, LiDAR subsystem 348 also can act as acollision avoidance subsystem.

Video subsystem 350 can include fore video camera 506 and aft videocamera 507, which provide packetized video signals to camera switch 508.The packetized video signals can be representative of the respectivevisual areas proximate to ADV 110. Also, camera switch 508 can be aPower Over Ethernet-enabled (POE) switch, providing operating power tocameras 506, 507. Video subsystem 350 also can use a DC/DC converter(12V/48V) such as a model Supernight, LC-123 from E BEST TRADE LLC,Portland, Oreg. USA. Video packets transmitted from cameras 506, 507 canbe routed through router 520, then through HI-REL packet switch 516 toVCU 518. VCU 518 in turn routes the video stream to radio transceiver524, and then to mobile control center 120. Video packets can be inEthernet format.

GPS antennas 502, 503 can be Zephyr 2 (ruggedized) antennas and GPStransceiver 504 can be Model BX982, all from Trimble Navigation Limited,Sunnyvale, Calif. USA. Cameras 506, 507 can be model M-3114 from AxisCommunications AB, Lund, SE. Camera switch (POE) 508 can be modelVHDC-24V-50 W from Rajant Corp., Malvern, Pa. USA. HI-REL switch 516 canbe an Octopus switch, Model 5TX-EEC, from Hirschmann (a Belden Company),Neckartenzlingen, Baden-Württemberg, DE. NAT Router 520 can be a modelEKI-6528TPI NAT router from Advantech America, Milpitas, Calif., USA.Planar laser 510 can be a model VLP-16 3D LiDAR sensor from VelodyneLiDAR™, Morgan Hill, Calif. USA. Alternatively, a model LMS-151 fromSick AG, Waldkirch im Breisgau, DE may be used.

Coupled to OD/OA processor 512 can be event recorder 514. Event recorder514 records data from OD/OA processor 512, as well as CAN bus feed fromACS VCU 304. Event recorder 514 can have Ethernet connections (e.g.,RJ-45, M-4, and M-12), serial connections (e.g., RS-232, and USB), CANconnections (e.g., J1939), and SVGA connections. Like a cockpit datarecorder in a commercial aircraft, event recorder 514 can collect andsave predetermined event data over a predetermined temporal window, andmay record over the saved data during subsequent temporal windows. Eventrecorder 514 data may not be manually manipulated, and can providehelpful information regarding ADV 110 systems states in a case of mishapor misfortune. Radio subsystem 356 can include transceiver packet switch(POE) 522 coupled, and providing power, to radio transceiver 524. Radiotransceiver 524 can be capable of transmitting and receiving signals inmultiple frequency bands. Accordingly, radio transceiver 524 may includemultiple antennas, such as a 900 MHz antenna 526, a 2.4 GHz antenna 527,and a 5.8 GHz antenna 528. Multi-frequency transceiving permitshigh-reliability, robust, and redundant communication between an ADV ACS300 and APS 500, and mobile control center 360. POE transceiver packetswitch 522 can be a model VHDC-24V-50 W from Rajant Corp., Malvern, Pa.USA. Radio transceiver 524 can be a model LX-4 from Rajant Corp.,Malvern, Pa. USA. 900 MHz antenna 526 can be a Model 08-ANT-0922 from MPAntennas, LTD, Elyria, Ohio USA. 2.4 GHz antenna 527 can be a ModelTRAB24003P and 5.8 GHz antenna 528 can be a Model TRAB58003P, both fromLaird USA, Earth City, Mo. USA.

When cellular coverage permits, a digital cellular radio network can beused for inter-vehicle communication. Under current regulations,cellular coverage can be provided by a small transceiver for eachvehicle under a special subscription plan from a cellular telephonecompany. Because commercial cellular companies are licensed by theFederal Communications Commission to provide powerful signals from acellular tower, for example, 500 watts per sector (effective radiatedpower), the cellular signal has little difficulty penetrating a treecanopy. Transmitted radio signals are received from a transmittingvehicle by a first local cellular tower. Return radio signals can betransmitted to selected receiving vehicle from a second local cellulartower. The first local cellular tower may be the same as, or differentfrom, the second local cellular tower, A “penalty” of using cellularsystems is the slight time delay (e.g., 250 milliseconds) betweensending and receiving radios (and vice versa)

Alternatively, when a cellular service is not available or isunreliable, an analog mesh radio network may be used at a given jobsite. A mesh radio network allows all vehicles to communicate with eachother directly, rather than sending a signal through a base station(point-to-point network). The mesh network can be much faster becausethe signal can go directly from the sender to the receiver. A meshnetwork also allows for much greater radio coverage because the messagesdo not have to go directly to the desired receiver vehicle. Every radioin the mesh can act as a repeater, so if first and second vehicles donot have a strong connection, the signal can be routed through a thirdvehicle (or more) to reach the desired destination. In embodiments,radios can automatically reroute the signal as necessary, with no humaninteraction needed.

One vendor of mesh radios can be Rajant Corporation, Malvern, Pa. USA.Rajant radios typically are designed to meet the military standards, andthe harsh environments, for example, of oil, mining, and utilitiesservices, so they are suitable for use in the harsh, dusty, and moistenvironment of agricultural applications. As one example, a RajantKinetic Mesh® Network can be used, with the advantage of interoperatingwith other Internet Protocol (IP) based equipment including GPS, videofeeds, and computer signals. See, for example, information regarding aRajant Kinetic Mesh® Network athttp://.rajant.com/technology/what-is-rajant-kinetic-wireless-mesh/ andBreadCrumb® Wireless Nodes at http://www.rajant.com/technology/whatis-rajant.com Other networks and wireless nodes may be used, of course.Such radios can operate on 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz unlicensedfrequency bands, and vehicles of present embodiments may include radiosystems capable of operating at multiple frequencies. For example, aradio system operating at 900 MHz can be used to penetrate through treecanopies, for example, in orchard operations, while 5.8 GHz signals cantravel farther if there is line-of-sight communications (e.g., vineyardapplications. The more power used to transmit the signals, the betterthe penetration through a tree canopy. However, a “penalty” of usingmesh networks can arise from current Federal Communications Commissionrestrictions on the power used by a unit on unlicensed RF frequencies,e.g., about 1 watt.

FIG. 6 is a block drawing illustrating ADV Hydraulic System (AHS) 600.FIG. 6 will be described with the assistance of FIG. 2. AHS 600 is asubsystem that supports ADV 110 locomotion, steering, and spray systems.Each of the four wheels 202 a-d of ADV 110 can be driven by hydraulicmotor 204 a-d, which are pressurized by hydraulic pump 210. Hydraulicpump 210 also provides pressure to parking brakes 608, 609. While thehydraulic pump is running, parking brakes 608, 609 are pressurized to beOFF. However, when hydraulic pump 210 stops running, such as by anE-Stop, parking brakes 608, 609 can be depressurized and set ON using amechanical, device such as springs (not shown). Other parking brakearrangements are possible. In general, while the diesel engine isrunning, the brakes can be set to ON or OFF by a switch. If there is noFORWARD or REVERSE command, the switch will depressurize the brakesystem, setting the brakes ON. However, if a FORWARD or REVERSE commandis received, the switch will be set to pressurize the brake system,setting the brakes OFF, and allowing wheels 202 a-d to turn. Hydraulicaccessory pump 211 can pressurize fore distribution block 602 and aftdistribution block 610. Hydraulic accessory pump 211 can supplyhydraulic pressure to operate steering cylinder 206, agitator motor 604through fore distribution block 602, and fan clutch 612 through aftdistribution block 610. Steering cylinder can be a single-ended ordouble-ended hydraulic steering cylinder, although in the describedembodiment in FIG. 2, a single-ended steering cylinder is used. Agitatormotor 604 provides a uniform mixture of chemicals or additive to thewater tank in the system, so that the spray achieves a consistentconcentration. Agitator motor 604 can be a model no. 2100 (P/N:P2100C486GDZA07-87) from Permco, Inc., Streetsboro, Ohio USA. Filter 606extracts dirt, debris, and metal shavings from the hydraulic fluid.Filter 606 can be a filter series RT (P/N: RT2K10P24NNYZ) from SchroederIndustries, Leetsdale, Pa. USA. Filter 606 can use a type KZ5 filterinsert, also from Schroeder Industries. Fan clutch 612 controls theoperation of dispersal fan 230 and solution pump 220. When fan clutch612 is engaged, dispersal fan 230 and solution pump 220, can be made tooperate, while when fan clutch 612 is disengaged, dispersal fan 230 andsolution pump 220 are not operating.

FIG. 7 is a block illustration of an embodiment of an implementactuator, for example, an aqueous aerosolizer subsystem, such assubsystem 217 in FIG. 2. An implement actuator is any subsystem,hydraulic or mechanical, that is used for moving or controlling amechanism that is configured to perform a predetermined agriculturalfunction. FIG. 7 can be described within the context of FIG. 2. Tankfill valve 702 is used to admit aqueous solution 712 to holding tank218. Tank 218 can be a 600 gallon stainless steel tank. Aqueous solution712 may be a pre-mixed aqueous solution, although other types ofsolution may be used. Aqueous solution 712 can be a chemical solutionsuch as a fertilizer, a pesticide, a fungicide, or a functionalcombination thereof. In use, premixed solution 712 can be drawn throughwater filter 706, which is coupled to the inlet port of solution pump220. Filter 706 can have a 20-mesh screen (about 0.0331 inches).Pressure regulating valve 704 can be used to regulate the pressuregenerated at the outlet port of pump 220. Pressure regulating valve 704can be a model LOEWS-DF1 (1.5 inches) from KZ Valve, Greenwood, Nebr.USA. When valve 704 is fully open, pump 220 can recirculate premixedsolution 712 to tank 218, through filter 706 and to the pump inlet,providing negligible output pressure. When valve 704 is fully closed,all output of pump 220 is provided to its outlet port, providing fullpressure. Typically, pressure regulating valve 704 can be manipulated sothat a measured amount of premixed solution 712 can be provided at apreselected pressure to flowmeter 226. Flowmeter 226 can be used tomeasure the flow rate or quantity of premixed solution 712 beingprovided from the outlet of pump 220 to open/shut-type left spray valve222 and right spray valve 224. When left spray valve 222 is opened,premixed solution 712 can be pumped through valve 222 to strainer 708,and then to left-side nozzles 228. Strainer 708 filters any entraineddirt and debris from the pumped aqueous premixed solution 712, so thatleft-side nozzles 228 are not impaired thereby. Strainers 708 can be a30 mesh screen (0.0234 inch). Right spray valve 224 operation can befunctionally the same as left spray valve 222 relative to strainer 708and nozzles 228. Operation of valve 222 or 224, or both deliver apredetermined solution volume of premixed solution 712 to nozzles 228.Forcing the predetermined solution volume of premixed solution 712through nozzles 228 causing premixed solution 712 to become aerosolized.An implement can be a tool, device, or apparatus, configured and used toperform a predetermined agricultural task. As such, dispersal fan 230can be used to draw a predetermined air volume into the delivery duct232. By mixing the predetermined solution volume with the predeterminedair volume, the resulting aerosolized mixed solution can be dispersed ata rate, and on a side, suitable, for example, for treating trees 710 or711, or both. Two-sided spraying is typically used when ADV 110 isoperating between two rows of trees 710, 711. One-sided spraying can beused to apply aerosolized mixed solution to a single row of trees 710 or711 disposed on one side or the other of ADV 110. As noted previously,predetermined agricultural tasks can be realized, for example, using thecorpus of ADV 110, which may be coupled to an implement actuator which,in turn, is coupled to an implement configured and used to perform apredetermined agricultural task. ADV 110 may be embodied as asingle-purpose apparatus or as a multi-purpose apparatus withinterchangeable mechanisms configured to perform multiple predeterminedagricultural tasks.

Turning to FIG. 8, an embodiment of overall teleoperation control system800 for ADV 110 is described. Standards for busses used in system 800include standard IEEE 802.3 (for convenience, “Ethernet”), a collectionof standards describing local area network composition and operation,and standard SAE J1939 (CAN), Recommended Practice for a Serial Controland Communications Vehicle Network, which is the vehicle bus recommendedpractice used for communication and diagnostics among vehiclecomponents. Both of these standards are incorporated into this documentin their entireties. System 800, then, employs two types of busses, eachof which being coupled to VCU 802, Ethernet connections 805 and CAN busconnections 810, 825. Cameras 804 are coupled to VCU 802 and thus toradio 808, and provide remote viewing of the areas of ADV 110 operation(fore and aft) by the operations supervisor (e.g., van operator). GNSSsystem 806 identifies the horizontal and vertical location and positionof ADV 110 within a predefined area of an orchard, and provides trackingcapability of ADV 110 as it drives other predefined paths, as selectedand identified by VCU 802. Positioning and path information, as well asADV 110 operating parameters, are relayed to mobile control center 120by radio 808. Radio 808 receives command and control information frommobile control center 120, which may cause VCU 802 to begin, modify, orterminate operation in a selected subsystem. Cameras 804, GPS 806, andradio 808 can be coupled to VCU 802 using the Ethernet switched packetbus 805.

VCU 802 also receives inputs and transmits inputs to the mechanicalportion of ADV 110 by communicating with the hardware automationinterface, CAN bus controller 810. Controller 810 can be coupled to theECU 812, which can be functionally like ACS ECU 304. ECU 812 issuescommands to machinery components, monitors the state of ADV 110 physicalsystems, and receives response and state data from ADV 110 physicalsystems. In particular, ECU 812 can increase, decrease, or shut offthrottle 814, causing engine 816 (which can be like engine 214) to speedup, slow down, or stop, respectively. Transmission 818 and drive train820 can send back state information, during operations, and in responseto clutch operation. Tires 824 can be caused to turn forward or reverseby operation of drive train 820, in response to throttle 814. Inaddition, ECU 812 can cause parking brake 822 to be set, or released, inresponse to commands from ECU 812 or VCU 802.

FIG. 9 depicts control bus structure 900 including the several busses,which may be used to communicate within an ADV 110, including withparticularity, VCU 802 and ACS ECU 812. Auto/Remote button 902 can bewired as a standard I/O arrangement into VCU Estop CPLDs 910, along withVehicle On/Off 904, and E-Stop button 906. VCU Estop CPLDs 910 provideaction via an I/O bus to VCU Auto Power Bus 912. When ADV 110 isactivated, VCU Auto Power Bus 912 actuates external auto beacon 914 viaI/O bus, indicating that ADV 110 is in an operational mode. Fore and aftGPS antennas 916, 918, respectively, can be coupled to via a serial linkGPS receiver 920 which, in turn, is coupled to the VCU control unit 925,for example, using an RS-232 serial link. Inertial measurement unit(IMU) 926 may be coupled to VCU control unit 925 using an RS-232 seriallink, as well. IMU 926 can be a model 3DM-GX4-25 MicroStrain® InertialMeasurement Unit, from Lord Sensing Systems, in Williston, Vt. IMU 926includes a tri-axial accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer,temperature sensors, and a pressure altimeter. IMU 926 determines pitch,roll, yaw, and heading of ADV 110, acting as a static and dynamicattitude, heading, and reference system. As described above,Ethernet-capable fore and aft cameras 928, 930 can be powered andswitched by camera/POE switch 932. Vehicle POE/switch 934 canbidirectionally communicate Ethernet signals from camera/POE switch 932,as well as Ethernet signals over POE bus 936 from radio 938. VehiclePOE/switch 934 bidirectionally communicates with network hub 940 usingthe IEEE 802.3 protocol. Information from the network hub 940 can betransmitted to the “Black Box” event recorder 942. Event recorder 942also receives data from VCU control unit 925. Within VCU control unit925 are several controllers, which provide operational controls to themechanical system of ADV 110 by way of CAN bus 944.

Based upon the input data from GPS receiver 920, IMU 926, fore and aftcameras 928, 930, and radio 938, VCU control unit 925 can providecommand and control signals to keep ADV 110 on a predetermined path.Such command and control signals can include, without limitation,steering controller 946, brake controller 948, discrete controller 950,transmission controller 952, throttle controller 954, and ignitioninterface 956. Signals from VCU control unit 925 can be conveyed throughJ1939 interface 958, over CAN bus 960 to ECU interface 961, which alsocan be a J1939 interface. The command and control signals from VCUcontroller 925 can provide command and control for steering 966, lights968, ignition 970, parking brake 972, engine speed 974, and transmissionstate 976.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of mobile control center 1000.

Mobile control center 1000 can be functionally like control center 120.Components of a control center 1000 may include, inter alia, computer1020 equipped with, at least, command and control software, and ageolocation system, such as GPS. Additionally, the control center 1000can be equipped with multiple displays for efficient monitoring,handheld voice radio, touch screen interface, and basic office supplies.Mobile control center 1000 can be a preconfigured vehicle with anextendable, pneumatic mast 1002, which can be extended up to about 60feet. This height can give a free line-of-sight range of about 3 miles,or about 0.75 miles of range in dense tree canopy. Communication rangewithin an orchard may vary due to the predefined area size, treedensity, vegetation canopy density, weather, multipath, mast height,transmission frequency, and other factors. Other configurations andfrequencies are possible. This configuration of mobile control center1000 is suitable for bidirectionally communicating with one or more ADVs110, which may be dispersed over a predefined area of an orchard. Mobilecontrol center 1000 can house the operator that oversees entireoperation. In addition, mobile control center 1000 can contain commandand control software, can control one or more ADVs while in AutonomousMode, and can monitor the status of the one or more ADVs. Mobile controlcenter 1000 can have a separate 7 kW generator 1004 aboard to providepower for the electronics, computer, and radio equipment in mobilecontrol center 1000. Other generator power capabilities can be provided.Heating and air conditioning equipment 1006 may be provided in mobilecontrol center 1000 for operator comfort. Interior and exterior ACconnections also may be provided.

Mobile control center 1000 can employ a single human operator (notshown) to operate multiple vehicles (such as ADV 110) at one time usingcomputer 1020. The operator can remotely make changes to the operatingparameters of a selected vehicle, and can remotely monitor all of thegauges pertaining to the selected vehicle. The operator of the controlcenter 1000 can monitor, without limitation, all of the vehicles fluidlevels, critical components temperature, radio signal strength, andspeeds. If any of these items are out of tolerance, the operator canshut down, slow, or pause the vehicle from computer 1020, so necessaryaction can be taken. Additionally, the operator can use computer 1020 tomonitor many of the electronic components on the outside vehicles, suchas cameras, GPS, computers, and individual sensors. Again, they are ableto take any necessary action to fix any problem that arises. Althoughmobile control center 1000 may employ a simple laptop computer 1020, forexample, a custom-made programmable electronic controller may be used.In the example of laptop computer 1020, the computer could be coupled toa network router/hub to wirelessly tie into the remote vehicle'snetwork. The command and control software may be downloaded onto laptopcomputer 1020 in many ways, for example, in the field, or back at afield shop. Laptop computer 1020 may be kept running during the entiretyof the task in the field. Instead of a laptop, a “tower” or “desk”computer configuration also may be used. In the example of a customcontroller, all electronic components could be coupled into thiscontroller. Only the software necessary to control the vehicle would berun.

The command and control software that is run in mobile control center1000 can be designed to work in coordination with software on eachindividual vehicle, such as ADV 110. Mobile control center 1000 willsend specific path, speed, and action commands to the vehicle. Thevehicle then takes those commands and controls the physical vehicleusing commands, including without limitation, steer, propel, rpm,on/off, and the like. Typically, mobile control center 1000 gives out ageneral command, while the individual vehicle software controls theactual vehicle in order to obey the command given by the controlstation. This allows for variation in each vehicle, and for easy changesof implementation, all while keeping the same control center software.Command and control software which may be used in computer 1020 ofcontrol center 1000 can set a predetermined path complete with speeds,rpm's, and actions for the vehicle(s) before sending the commands to thevehicle(s). This path will be highly dependent upon the number ofvehicles in the serviced area. Overlap of individual vehicle (e.g., ADV110) actions can be substantially avoided if not precluded. Overlap ofpaths may cause over-spraying or over-delivery of applied materials. Forexample, setting the path before sending vehicles out to work is a firststep in preventing overlap and that the vehicles are covering the fieldin the most efficient way possible, for example, by minimizing timespent turning at the end of a row. The predetermined path will alsodetermine precise start times for each vehicle, so once two vehiclesreach the end of a row, they do not try to turn simultaneously resultingin a collision. One vehicle will reach the end and turn before the otheris ready to make its turn. Once the path has been planned and vehiclesare moving, the command and control software in mobile command center1000 can compensate for any anomalies that may occur, such as a vehiclebreaking down and having to be removed from the field. If this happens,the operator will have the software “re-plan” the paths for remainingvehicles. The command and control software will then take into accountwhat rows have been covered, what rows still need to be covered, thenumber of vehicles left, and the location of those vehicles to decidethe most efficient paths.

Mobile control center 1000 can transmit or receive on a selectablefrequency, such as on a 900 MHz band, or a 2.4 GHz band or a 5.8 GHzband, according to conditions in the field. Antennas 1008 for the mobilecontrol center radio can be disposed on mast 1002. Of course, otherfrequencies may be used. In addition to ADV 110, mobile control center1000 can bidirectionally communicate with mapper vehicle 130, typicallyto collect mapping information (e.g., GPS and LiDAR mapping signals)about a predefined area. After being received from the mapper vehicle130, mobile control center 1000 can store all mapping data for at leasta predefined area (e.g., an orchard or a portion of an orchard). Controlcenter 1000 can send mapping data to ADV 110 on-the-fly, for at least aportion of a predefined area, or for at least one predefined area,depending upon the amount of memory made available in the VCU of ADV110.

In some embodiments, mobile control center 1000 can be paired with oneor more repeater trucks (not shown), which may be disposed along theperiphery of a predefined area, for example, in which one or more ADVsare treating their respective predefined areas. A repeater truck may bea van such as mobile control center 1000, or some other vehicle, whichwill be disposed in the field. Nurse truck 140 can have a radiorepeater, which can be useful to relay and receive signals from ADV 110or mapper vehicle 130 to mobile control center 120, in the event of lowlevel or compromised signals due to distance, signal strength,multipath, canopy density, tree density, weather, or other causes ofimpaired signals. Mobile control center 1000 may have a GPS receiver andGPS antenna 1010 may disposed on a tripod outside of the van, forexample, up to 25 feet away, and coupled to the GPS receiver by acoaxial cable. In some embodiments, control center 1000 may be apermanent structure (such as a building), or can be fully mobile (suchas a truck or a van).

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an interior view of mobile controlcenter 1000, exclusive of the driving cab. Mobile control center 1000houses at least touch screen computer monitor (e.g., 32 inches) 1102,high definition monitors (e.g., 24 inches) 1104 a-c, and a rack-mountedframe carrying base radio 1106, Ethernet hub 1108, mobile control centercomputer 1110, and mobile control center back up battery 1112. Also seenis an inside view 1114 of heating and air-conditioning device 1006.Touch screen monitor 1102 allows a mobile control centeroperator/supervisor to make on-the-fly changes to the operation of ADV110, including, without limitation, STOP, speed (e.g., throttleup/down), clutch (engaged/disengaged), heading, steering, spraying side,flow, and flow rate, and ADV light configurations. All system alerts andwarnings are received and displayed on monitor 1102. Moreover,high-definition monitor 1104 a can be used by the mobile control centeroperator/supervisor to display live video feeds from the fore/aftcameras 240, 242 of ADV 110, in a selected display configuration,allowing mobile control center operator/supervisor to have completesituational awareness of the state of the system 100 including ADV 110.

In certain embodiments, base radio 1106 can be used to communicate withall vehicles of system 100. In particular, base radio 1106 receivesradio feed from ADV 110, which includes video, Ethernet, CANnet, andLiDAR information transmitted by ADV200. Base radio receives GPS andLiDAR geolocation information about a pre-defined area, which is storedby computer 1110, and which creates the predefined path to be taken byADV 110. Base radio 1106 can also bidirectionally communicate verbalsignals among the operators of mapper vehicle 130 and nurse truck 140,as well as other handheld radios in the field. Computer 1110 can be atower-style Hewlett-Packard Z230 workstation, having an Intel® i7-4790CPU @ 3.60 GHz, 8 GB RAM, and a 1 TB hard drive, using a 64-bitoperating system. Of course, other, comparable computers may be used,and specifications may change as technology progresses.

Mobile control center 1000 can also have a video surveillancefunctionality. This video surveillance function may be used to view aremote vehicle (such as ADV 110) and its immediate surroundings whileoperating, or during, for example, an E-Stop or system error. Theoperator is able to use the video feed from, for example, fore and aftcameras 928, 930 in FIG. 9, to visually inspect a selected vehicle for afault causing an E-Stop or system error, as well as view proper progressof ADV 110 on its given path. This reduces the need for a human operatorto physically inspect the vehicle. An IP-based camera network can beused, and the video feed from ADV 110 can be streamed over a privatemesh radio network, as well as a commercial cellular network. Althoughthere are numerous suitable video systems, embodiments herein can use anoutdoor video system produced by Axis Communications AB, Sweden, Lund.Because a video feed, particularly of multiple ADV 110, can use asubstantial amount of bandwidth, embodiments allow the video stream tobe selectively turned off to help maximize radio bandwidth. In someembodiments, a mesh radio network can be configured into two separateLANs (local area network), to separate command and control signals fromthe video streams. In other embodiments, using a combined radio andvideo feed, the radios will automatically drop the video feed to free upbandwidth for the more important command and control signals, once thesignal strength degrades to a predetermined level, Adverse eventmonitoring of ADV 110 is possible because the system automaticallyrecords the video feed from a set time before and after an E-Stop istriggered. Video feed, though, can be important in monitoring theacceptable progress of ADV 110 during operation because once vehicle ADV110 is engulfed by a tree canopy, GPS geolocating becomes the primarymethod for moving a vehicle along a desired path. Due to the possibilityof faulty GPS signals, and resultant errant movement, video can be usedto check that vehicle ADV 110 is driving down the center of a row, andnot offset to one side.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of communication and positioningsystem 1200 of mobile control center 1000. System is powered bygenerator 1202, which can be similar to 7 kW generator 1004. Generator1202 can supply backup battery 1204, which is depicted as battery 1112in FIG. 11. Generator 1202 and battery 1204 can serve as the powerplatform for computer 1206, which receives and processes informationreceived from Ethernet hub 1208. In turn, Ethernet hub 1208bidirectionally communicates with each of computer 1206, Power overEthernet 1218 (which communicates radio signals), GPS receiver 1232, andE-Stop 1234. Power over Ethernet 1218 provides power to radiotransceiver 1216, which communicates signals over at least one of 900MHz antenna 1210, 2.4 GHz antenna 1212, or 5.8 GHz antenna 1214. Thesesignals may be communicated among ADV 110, mapper vehicle 130, nursetruck 140, or handheld radios in the field. Similarly, GPS antenna 1230receives real-time GIS signals relative to the position of mobilecontrol center 1000. These GPS signals are communicated by GPS receiver,in Ethernet format, to Ethernet hub 1218. Computer 1206 can communicatewith touch-screen input and display monitor 1220, which is similar todisplay 1102 to send commands and receive data from the entire system.Monitor 1222, which can be like monitor 1104 a, is mounted proximate tomonitor 1220. Monitor 1222 can be configured to display real-time videosignals from ADV 110, so that the control operator can be aware of thelocation of ADV 110 while it is operating. Monitor 1224 and monitor 1226can be used to display information relating to ADV 110, mapper vehicle130 or nurse truck 140, as well as mobile control center 120.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of mapper vehicle 1300, which is physicallyand functionally similar to mapper vehicle 130. Mapper vehicle 1300 isused to identify, select, and create maps of predefined paths inpredefined regions, for example, of an orchard. Mapper vehicle 1300 canbe an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to easily navigate the often dense andtorturous orchard inter-tree pathways. Mapper vehicle 1300 can includefore GPS receiver 1302 and aft GPS receiver 1303, which can be RTK-DGPSreceivers, to obtain the most accurate positional information available.However, because orchard tree canopies can be extremely dense, creatingmultipath and attenuating incoming satellite signals, mapper vehicle1300 can employ LiDAR sensor 1306. LiDAR sensor 1306 provides anaccurate tree trunk placement of trees in a selected portion of orchardand an accurate path descriptions relative to the actual positions oftree trunks. This information can assist ADV 110 in identifying,selecting, verifying, and following a predefined path. GPS and LiDARinformation sensed by mapper vehicle 1300 can be transmitted to mobilecontrol center 1000 by mapper vehicle 1300 radio, which is coupled to900 MHz antenna, 2.4 GHz antenna, and 5.8 GHz antenna, respectively.Mapper vehicle 1300 also can be a support vehicle for field operations,which carries diesel fuel, hydraulic oil, motor oil (tanks at 1320) andbasic tools and parts (not shown) to facilitate repairs in the field.Mapper vehicle 1300 includes a tablet-type computer with software towatch spraying operation in progress. Planar laser 1306 can be a modelVLP-16 3D LiDAR sensor from Velodyne LiDAR, Morgan Hill, Calif. USA.Alternatively, a model LMS-151 from Sick AG, Waldkirch im Breisgau, DEmay be used. A non-limiting example of mapper vehicle 1300 may be aPolaris® Ranger Crew Diesel 4×4 all-terrain vehicle, using a Kohler1028cc, 3 cylinder, 24 HP engine. Also, a laptop may be used with mappervehicle 1300 to aid in real-time mapping and to reduce the amount ofpost-processing performed to create a map. The laptop may havespecifications similar to mobile control center computer 1110.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of an embodiment of mapper vehiclepositioning system 1400, which can be used in mapper vehicle 1300.Mapper vehicle positioning system 1400 communicates with mobile controlcenter 120, to provide orchard mapping and path data. System 1400 can beconfigured for use with a mapper vehicle such as mapper vehicle 130, ormapper vehicle 1300. System 1400 can include fore GPS antenna 1402, andaft GPS antenna 1403 for detecting GPS signals by GPS receiver 1404. GPSsignals may be received by VCU 1406 in a manner similar to VCU 518, ifavailable in system 1400. VCU 1406 may generate GPS-related commandsthat might be used in the movement of ADV 110. Planar laser 1410generates LiDAR signal 1411, which provides a scanned image,representative of a predefined path in a predefined area of a field.LiDAR signal 1411 can be processed in OD/OA processor, if available,which can be like OD/OA processor 512. HI-REL Ethernet switch 1408, ifnecessary, can bidirectionally communicate signals with GPS receiver1404, and if available, VCU 1406 and OD/OA processor 1412. HI-REL switch1408 can bidirectionally communicate received signals with transceiverPower over Ethernet switch 1414, and then with radio transceiver 1416,which communicates the signals over one of several frequencies, asrepresented by 900 MHz antenna 1418, 2.4 GHz antenna 1419, or 5.8 GHzantenna 1420. Using radio transceiver 1416, mapper vehicle radio canserve as secondary repeater station for greater radio coverage in thefield. As above, POE transceiver packet switch 522 can be a modelVHDC-24V-50 W from Rajant Corp., Malvern, Pa. USA. Radio transceiver 524can be a model LX-4 from Rajant Corp., Malvern, Pa. USA. 900 MHz antenna526 can be a Model 08-ANT-0922 from MP Antennas, LTD, Elyria, Ohio USA.2.4 GHz antenna 527 can be a Model TRAB24003P and 5.8 GHz antenna 528can be a Model TRAB58003P, both from Laird USA, Earth City, Mo. USA. GPSantennas 502, 503 can be Zephyr 2 (ruggedized) antennas and GPStransceiver 504 can be Model BX982, all from Trimble Navigation Limited,Sunnyvale, Calif. USA

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of nurse truck 1500, which also can beconfigured with a radio repeater thereon, to assist mobile controlcenter 120 with field communications. Nurse truck 1500 can be physicallyand functionally similar to nurse truck 140. Nurse truck 1500 can beused to mix preselected material at the pump to provide a pre-mixedsolution. Nurse truck 1500 can be used to fill/refill ADV 110 duringoperations in the field. Accordingly, nurse truck 1500 can have threetanks: one tank for fuel 1502, one tank for pre-mixed solution 1504, andone tank for hydraulic fluid 1506. The total capacity for thisembodiment of nurse truck 1500 can be about 2400 gallons. Of course,other tankers with different capacities and tank arrangements can beused. Nurse truck 1500 typically is deployed in a predetermined nursetruck region, an “apron,” which may be close to the areas being sprayedby ADV 110. When ADV 110 senses that it is low on fuel, hydraulicsolution, or pre-mixed solution, ADV 110 sends a signal to controlvehicle 120, which sends a signal (text, voice, or digital data) tonurse truck 1500 to go to the aid of the ADV 110. Alternately, ADV 110can move itself in proximity to the apron. Nurse truck 1500 alsocontains tools and spare parts (not shown) to facilitate field repairs.Nurse truck 1500 also can have a radio repeater communications network(FIG. 16) to further facilitate radio coverage within a field ofoperations.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of radio repeater communicationsnetwork 1600, as may be used by nurse truck 140 to enhance radiocoverage between mobile control center 120, and other vehicles in system100, as well as personnel with handheld radios, within a field ofoperations. Radio repeater communications network 1600 can have a GPSantenna 1602 and GPS receiver 1604, which provide mobile control center120 with its location in the field. Receiver 1604 transmits the GPSsignal to Ethernet hub 1606, which delivers the positional informationto transceiver POE 1608. Transceiver 1610 receives the positionalinformation signal from POE 1608, typically in Ethernet format. Thepositional information signal is then transmitted to mobile controlcenter 120 using one of plural frequency bands over corresponding radioantenna of 900 MHz 1612, 2.4 GHz 1614, or 5.8 GHz 1618. Of course, ifone or more other frequencies were used within system 100, radiorepeater communications network 1600 would employ a transceiver andcorresponding antenna capable of the other frequencies. As above, POEtransceiver packet switch 522 can be a model VHDC-24V-50 W from RajantCorp., Malvern, Pa. USA. Radio transceiver 524 can be a model LX-4 fromRajant Corp., Malvern, Pa. USA. 900 MHz antenna 526 can be a Model08-ANT-0922 from MP Antennas, LTD, Elyria, Ohio USA. 2.4 GHz antenna 527can be a Model TRAB24003P and 5.8 GHz antenna 528 can be a ModelTRAB58003P, both from Laird USA, Earth City, Mo. USA. GPS antennas 502can be Zephyr 2 (ruggedized) antenna and GPS transceiver 504 can beModel BX982, all from Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, Calif. USA.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of an automated mixing system 1700,which may be used with nurse truck 140. System 1700 may be disposed uponand coupled to nurse truck 140, or may be separate. In addition, whilesystem 1700 depicts a mixing system with three chemical inputs, mixingsystem 1700 could have more, or fewer, chemical inputs. Automated mixingsystem 1700 can include three chemical input tanks 1702 a-c, the flowfrom which is controlled by variable-output valve 1704 a-c. The outputby each valve 1704 a-c can be independently controlled by control inputs1705 a-c, respectively. Valves 1704 a-c are respectively discharged intomeasuring devices 1706 a-c, where the amount of fluid discharged can bemeasured. Measuring device 1706 a-c could be a scale, or could be acontinuous flowmeter. Measuring device 1706 a-c provide a feedbacksignal to computer control 1708, wherein the amount of flow throughvalves 1704 a-c can be determined and adjusted. Nurse truck tank 1710,which may be like tank 1504 in FIG. 15, can receive the independentlymeasured solutions to provide a pre-mixed solution that will beadministered by ADV 110.

FIG. 18 illustrates an orchard milieu in which system 1800 is operating.System 1800 can be functionally and physically similar to system 100.That is, ADV 1810 a, 1810 b can be like ADV 110; mobile control center1820 can be like mobile control center 120; mapper vehicle 1830 can belike mapper vehicle 130; and nurse truck 1840 can be like nurse truck140. Nurse truck 1840 is included in system 1800 for spraying tasks, butmay be dispensed with for other agricultural tasks. Mobile controlcenter 1820 can collect survey information of the orchard from mappervehicle 1830, and can generate respective predefined non-overlappingarea and respective predefined non-overlapping path(s) for each ADV.Thus, ADV 1810 a can be programmed to follow a respective predefinednon-overlapping path 1808 in a respective predefined non-overlappingarea 1806, for example, of tree orchard 1802. ADV 1810 a can use LiDARto verify its path and GPS to verify its area. Respective predefinednon-overlapping path 1808 may be a serpentine forward path that meandersthrough respective predefined non-overlapping area 1806. As ADV 1810 afollows a straightaway of the serpentine forward path, it reaches aswitchback, during which ADV 1810 a performs a turn. Typically, during aturn, spraying may be temporarily discontinued and resumed when the turnis completed, or nearly completed. Similarly, ADV 1810 b can follow acorresponding respective predefined non-overlapping path(s) in acorresponding respective predefined non-overlapping area. To enhanceefficiency, the area assigned to ADV 1810 a and the paths assigned toADV 1810 a, as identified by the mapper vehicle 1830, and as formed bythe command and control software in mobile control center 1820, do notoverlap the area assigned to ADV 1810 b and the paths assigned to ADV1810 b. GPS and LiDAR respectively verify that a particular respectivepredefined non-overlapping area and a particular respective predefinednon-overlapping area are being followed by a respective ADV. Usingsystem 1800, multiple ADVs 1810 x may be deployed in a large orchard toautonomously apply at least one pre-mixed solution to trees within theorchard. An ADV may use LiDAR or a video feed to mobile control center1820 to verify its path and positioning along the path. Clearly, system1800 may be used in one or more orchards or portions of orchards.

Both ADV 1810 a and ADV 1810 b can be monitored and controlled by mobilecontrol center 1820. While ADV 1810 a,b are spraying a premixed solutiononto orchard 1802, nurse truck 1840 waits on apron 1812, for a need asindicated by ADV 1810 a,b and as determined in mobile control center1820. Mobile control center 1820 can monitor ADV 1810 a,b and can send acommand to nurse truck 1840 to meet ADV 1810 a, for example, at adesignated portion of apron 1812, so that addition of pre-mixedsolution, fuel, or hydraulic fluid can be replenished as needed in ADV1810 a. It can be less troublesome for ADV 1810 to meet nurse truck 1840on apron 1812 than to have nurse truck 1840 move between the trees oforchard 1802.

Mapper vehicle 1830 can be disposed in an unmapped area 1814 of orchard1802. Mapper vehicle 1830 can move up and down the rows of area 1814,using GPS and LiDAR, to determine and identify a forthcoming predefinedpath 1816 in a new predefined area 1814. As mapper vehicle moves aboutarea 1814, it transmits the corresponding GPS and LiDAR informationabout area 1814 to mobile control center 1820, until mapping of area1814, or a portion thereof, is completed.

FIG. 19A-F illustrate the physical configuration of a typical ADV 110.In FIG. 19A, right broadside profile 1900 (front, right) of ADV 110 isshown; in FIG. 19B, the left broadside profile 1910 (front, left) of ADV110 is shown. In FIG. 19C, ADV 110 is illustrated as front head-onprofile 1920; in FIG. 19D, ADV 110 is illustrated by the direct-on rearprofile 1930. In FIG. 19E, ADV 110 is illustrated by the left frontperspective profile 1940; in FIG. 19F ADV 110 is illustrated by theright rear perspective profile 1950. In general, ADV 110 can be about102″ wide, about 276″ long, and about 67″ tall. Typically, a portion ofthe body is approximately cylindrical. In profiles 1900, 1910, 1930,1940, and 1950, the front portion 1960 is shown to be distinctivelyup-sloped from the front end 1980 of the vehicle chassis towards the topof the cylindrical body 1970. This feature is intended to deflect densevegetation canopies, as may be seen in a commercial tree orchard,thereby easing the forward progress of ADV 110, particularly in verydense vegetation canopies, e.g., an almond tree orchard, a vineyard, oropen field of row crops. Further, the elongated vehicle body provides avehicle configuration which maximizes the space available for fluidtanks and operating equipment, while maintaining a sleek profile with anup-sloped front that facilitates the passage of ADV 110 through thevegetation canopy. The aft implement actuator and implement may bemodified to include any agricultural field task, including, withoutlimitation, spraying, fertilizing, disking, plowing, tilling, orspreading.

A modified version of ADV 110 suitable for a vineyard can be about 84″wide and 225″ long, have a similar profile and use a 4-cylinderturbocharged diesel engine. It also can have a 600 gallon stainlesssteel premixed solution tank, a 60-gallon diesel fuel tank, and a 60gallon hydraulic fuel tank. As with full-scale ADV 110, the enginepropels a hydraulic pump, which drives the wheels 202 a-d. The reardispersal fan 230 housing and delivery duct 232 of modified ADV 110 canbe configured to completely spray two adjacent rows of vines, allowingevery-other-row movement through the predefined area of the vineyard,increasing efficiency. Other embodiments of ADV 110 may be manufacturedto meet the row width of nearly any cultured crop. Other structures,controls, and functions can be similar to a full-scale ADV 110, whichmay be used for tree orchards or open field crop applications, includingannual or perennial crops.

Method embodiments can be derived from the foregoing including, withoutlimitation, autonomously determining the forward path with aforward-looking sensor; autonomously following the forward path; andwhile following the forward path, autonomously performing apredetermined agricultural task on the forward path. The forward pathcan be the forward path adjacent to a row or rows of trees or vines orcrops. Following the forward path can be following the forward pathbetween an adjacent row or rows of trees or vines or row crops.Determining the forward path can include determining an area containingthe forward path using a GPS sensor. The method can include employing anautonomous delivery vehicle for performing a predetermined agriculturalvehicle, and communicating a location of the forward path of theautonomous delivery vehicle to a mobile control center. Determining theforward path with a forward-looking sensor can be performed by a mappervehicle. Further, the method can include downloading a pre-identifiedforward path, comparing the current forward path to the downloadedforward path, and autonomously correcting a heading corresponding to thedownloaded forward path, using the forward-looking sensor and the GPSsensor. The method can further include downloading a predefinedserpentine forward path having turns within a predefined area,autonomously moving along the predefined serpentine forward path,autonomously performing a predetermined agricultural task except duringa turn, wherein the predefined serpentine forward path is identified bya forward-looking LiDAR sensor, and the predefined area is identified bya GPS sensor.

The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate anunderstanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and tofurther enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments ofthe invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which isdefined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, itis noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings, although not every figure may repeateach and Every feature that has been shown in another figure in order tonot obscure certain features or overwhelm the figure with repetitiveindicia. It is understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific methodology, devices, apparatuses, materials, applications,etc., described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understoodthat the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A robotic agricultural system, comprising:autonomous delivery vehicles, each configured to autonomously perform arespective predetermined agricultural task over respective predefined,non-overlapping paths within respective predefined non-overlappingareas, the respective predefined non-overlapping paths being verified bya respective autonomous delivery vehicle forward-looking sensor or arespective autonomous delivery vehicle video feed or both, and therespective predefined non-overlapping area being verified by arespective autonomous delivery vehicle geolocation sensor.
 2. Therobotic agricultural system of claim 1, further comprising: a controlcenter, configured to wirelessly inform the autonomous delivery vehiclesof the respective predefined non-overlapping paths and respectivepredefined non-overlapping areas.
 3. The robotic agricultural system ofclaim 2, further comprising: a mapper vehicle configured to identifypredefined non-overlapping paths in respective predefinednon-overlapping areas; and the mapper vehicle configured to communicateinformation about the respective predefined non-overlapping paths andthe respective predefined non-overlapping areas to the control center.4. The robotic agricultural system of claim 1, wherein each autonomousdelivery vehicle further comprises: a vehicle chassis with a front and arear, wherein the front vehicle chassis has an up-sloped front profile;hydraulic motors attached to the vehicle chassis, wherein the hydraulicmotors motivate the autonomous delivery vehicle in a selected direction;a hydraulic pump attached to the vehicle chassis and fluidly coupled todrive the hydraulic motors; a motive engine mechanically coupled to, andconfigured to drive, the hydraulic pump, and attached to the vehiclechassis; an implement actuator attached to the vehicle chassis andcoupled to the motive engine; and an implement coupled to the implementactuator, wherein the implement actuator may be a mechanical actuator ora hydraulic implement actuator.
 5. The robotic agricultural system ofclaim 2, further comprising a stationary control center.
 6. The roboticagricultural system of claim 2, further comprising a mobile controlcenter.
 7. The robotic agricultural system of claim 4, each autonomousdelivery vehicle further comprising: a respective vehicle control unit(VCU) coupled to a respective autonomous delivery vehicle (ADV)forward-looking LiDAR sensor and an ADV GPS sensor, the respective VCUgenerating a vehicle command based on the respective ADV forward-lookingLiDAR sensor sensing the predefined non-overlapping path and arespective ADV GPS sensor sensing a predefined non-overlapping areacontaining the predefined non-overlapping path, the vehicle commandincluding at least one of a steering command, a propulsion command, athrottle control command, a clutch command, a parking brake command, apredetermined agricultural task command, or a pressure control command,the respective autonomous delivery vehicle responding to at least onevehicle command.
 8. The robotic agricultural system of claim 7, whereinthe respective vehicle control unit receives at least one sensed inputfrom at least one of a steering sensor, a speed sensor, a clutchpressure sensor, an implement actuator sensor, or an implement sensor,wherein the vehicle command including at least one of a steeringcommand, a propulsion command, a throttle control command, a clutchcommand, a parking brake command, a pressure control command, or apredetermined agricultural task command, the vehicle control unitissuing a vehicle command responsive to the at least one sensed inputand the respective autonomous delivery vehicle responding to the vehiclecommand.
 9. The robotic agricultural system of claim 8, furthercomprising: a collision avoidance system including command and controlsoftware that causes respective predefined paths to not overlap andrespective predefined areas to not overlap.
 10. The robotic agriculturalsystem of claim 9, further comprising: a collision mitigation systemincluding command and control system software that causes two adjacentautonomous delivery vehicles to turn in proximity to each other withouta collision.
 11. The robotic agricultural system of claim 10, furthercomprising: a remote control, independent of the respective autonomousdelivery vehicle (ADV) chassis, the remote control wirelessly andselectably coupleable to the respective ADV, the remote control beingconfigured to over-ride autonomous action and operate at least one of asteering function, a propulsion function, a clutch function, a spraysystem pressure function, a spray function, or an E-Stop function. 12.The robotic agricultural system of claim 1, further comprising: eachautonomous delivery having a vehicle chassis with a front and a rear,wherein the front vehicle chassis has an up-sloped front profile; amotive engine attached to the vehicle chassis; an implement actuatorattached to the chassis and coupled to the motive engine; and animplement coupled to the chassis and the implement actuator, andmotivated by the implement actuator.
 13. The robotic agricultural systemof claim 1, further comprising: a mobile control center, configured towirelessly inform the respective autonomous delivery vehicles of therespective predefined non-overlapping paths within the respectivepredefined non-overlapping areas and to confirm that the autonomousdelivery vehicles are following the respective predefinednon-overlapping path within the respective predefined non-overlappingarea; and a mapper vehicle, the mapper vehicle generating the respectivepredefined non-overlapping paths within the respective predefinednon-overlapping areas; and the mapper vehicle configured to communicateinformation about the respective predefined non-overlapping paths andthe predefined non-overlapping areas to the mobile control center,wherein the mapper vehicle senses the respective predefinednon-overlapping paths with a mapper vehicle forward-looking LiDARsensor, and senses the respective predefined non-overlapping areas witha mapper vehicle GPS sensor.
 14. A command and control network for anagricultural robotic system, comprising: a radio network coupling atleast one autonomous delivery vehicle to a control center; and a videonetwork coupling at least one autonomous delivery vehicle to the controlcenter, wherein the radio network is an Internet protocol network andthe video network is an Internet protocol network.
 15. The command andcontrol network of claim 14, wherein the radio network is a mesh networkintegrating the video network and transmitting a video feed of the videonetwork and radio signals to the control center.
 16. The command andcontrol network of claim 14, wherein the radio network is a mesh networkseparate from the video network.
 17. The command and control network ofclaim 14, wherein the radio network is a cellular network.
 18. A methodfor a robotic agricultural system, comprising: autonomously determininga non-overlapping forward path; autonomously following thenon-overlapping forward path; and while following the non-overlappingforward path, autonomously and selectively performing a predeterminedagricultural task on the non-overlapping forward path.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein autonomously performing a predetermined agriculturaltask, further comprises: employing an autonomous delivery vehicle forselectively performing the predetermined agricultural task.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising: downloading to the autonomousdelivery vehicle a predetermined non-overlapping forward path; comparinga current forward path to the downloaded pre-identified non-overlappingforward path; and autonomously correcting a heading corresponding to adownloaded non-overlapping forward path, using a forward-looking sensoron the autonomous delivery vehicle.